The authorities of Dhaka University’s Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall have officially declared the entire hall premises as a smoke-free area. This achievement was made possible through the continuous efforts, awareness, and positive initiatives of the students. The information was shared in a press release issued by Zia Hall on Sunday (November 9).
According to the statement, the students submitted a signed petition to the hall administration expressing their demand. In recognition of the students’ initiative, the hall administration formally declared Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall a “Smoke-Free Premises.” Furthermore, smoking within the hall premises has been made a punishable offense, and relevant signboards have been installed at the main entrance of the hall.
Members of the volunteer organisation Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing played a vital role behind this transformation. Over the past few months, they have been conducting room-to-room campaigns, placing “No Smoking” signage stickers on the rooms of residential students who support the smoke-free initiative, and organizing awareness activities on social media. Additionally, they have taken the initiative to form an anti-smoking student club, which has positively contributed to enhancing leadership and awareness among students.
The decision of Muktijoddha Ziaur Rahman Hall is considered a significant milestone in creating a healthier and safer campus environment. It is expected that this initiative will inspire other halls and educational institutions to build smoke-free campuses as well.
Earlier, to ensure a healthy and safe environment within the hall premises, residential student Maksudul Hasan Rabbi who is also a Youth Advocate and volunteer of the Ahsania Mission Youth Forum for Health and Wellbeing submitted a memorandum to the hall administration on behalf of the residential students. During the submission, several other Youth Advocates, including Ruhul, Hasikul, Ababil, Saeed, Rakib, and Shakil, along with a number of hall residents, were also present. AU/BP
